Daily
Springfield
Friday, December 19th, 2025
Good morning, Springfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 19th of December.
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Rescue One held a candlelight vigil on Dec. 17 to honor four puppies found dead on Dec. 12 at a local dog trainer's property while Animal Control investigated reports of neglect. Springfield Daily Citizen
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Springfield Art Museum received two grants to support its Art is Everywhere outreach and in-school field trip programs during its multi-year renovation — $30K from the Hatch Foundation and $35K from the Melinda J. McDaniel Charitable Trust and partners keep arts education moving forward. KY3
- ➤ The Radio City Rockettes, who began in Missouri, mark their 100th anniversary by featuring Springfield native Samantha Noto. Noto, who started dancing as a child at Ann’s Performing Arts Centre, will perform in NYC’s Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall through January 5. KY3
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Local readers selected Kickapoo high school senior Nathaneal Cummings as Student of the Month for his mentoring in DECA—where he supports classmates with projects—and his volunteer work with Cub Scouts and Crosslines Resource Center. Springfield News-Leader
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ City officials provided tips to reduce holiday food waste by using proper storage, creative recipes and composting leftovers during the busy season. The advice comes as waste nearly doubles at the local landfill between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. KY3
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Community Blood Center of the Ozarks will host blood drives on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve at the Thomson Donor Center on Plainview Road (7 a.m. to 1 p.m.). Donors will receive a fleece blanket, campfire mug and $10 gas gift card to support hospital supplies during the holidays. KY3
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Lindwedel Winery in Branson—led by Todd Schade—recommends wine pairings to match holiday dishes like ham, turkey and desserts for Christmas meals, offering guidance for locals planning festive celebrations. KY3
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Missouri State University is finalizing a deal to hire SMU offensive coordinator Casey Woods as its next head football coach pending board approval today. Woods, a veteran coach who has led teams at Missouri + UAB and Auburn, will begin his new role this season. KY3
- ➤ Missouri State fans gathered at BigShots Golf today to watch the Xbox Bowl against Arkansas State; supporters enjoyed free food & cheered as they marked the team’s first FBS bowl appearance with hope for a win. KY3
- ➤ The XBox Bowl featured the Arkansas State Red Wolves and Missouri State Bears on Dec. 18 at 8 p.m. on ESPN2 (following close finishes in recent games). KY3
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Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings
6:30-7:30 p.m. — Stone Chapel, Drury University — Ticketed event — Experience a magical candlelight concert featuring a string quartet performing beloved Christmas carols.
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Festival of Lights Free Ice Skating
2:00 PM - 4:45 PM — Brightspeed Ice Park — Free entry, $3 skate rental — Enjoy free ice skating and holiday lights at the park.
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OMRR's Run for the Ranch
9:15 a.m. — MSU Parking Lot #22 — Registration fees apply — Participate in a variety of races from a 5K to an endurance run on a scenic route.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship.
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Reveal the authorAbout Daily Springfield
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